Despite the fact that there are only a few weeks left in the
Summer Movie Season, there is still enough time to squeeze in one more sci-fi
thriller. This week, ELYSIUM makes earthfall, with Reel Speak setting the stage
by way of the Frequently Asked Questions:
How the hell do you
pronounce ELYSIUM? – It’s pronounced \i-li-zhe-um\. It comes from the Ancient Greek conception of the afterlife in which a
realm (called Elysium), which is separate from Hades (hell) is a place reserved
for mortals related to gods and other heroes. It eventually evolved to include
those chosen by the gods, the righteous, and the heroic (remember that for the
next question).
What in the Hades is this all about? – In the year 2154, the very wealthy live
on a high-tech space station called Elysium, which offers a utopian living for
the super-rich with access to medicines which cure all disease, while everyone
else lives on the overpopulated and disease-ridden ruined planet Earth. The
main character in the film has a deadly virus and has only five days to find a
way to get to Elysium for a cure.
Who is directing this? – ELYSIUM is directed by Neill Blomkamp,
who last brought us the Oscar-nominated DISTRICT 9 in 2009.
Who are the actors? – ELYSIUM stars Matt Damon, Jodie Foster,
William Fichtner, and DISTRICT 9 alum Sharlto Copley.
What’s the big deal? – ELYSIUM stands out amidst the typical
Hollywood release due to its originality. It is not based on a book, comic
book, graphic novel, or stone tablet. It is not a remake or reboot of an
existing property. It is an original tale based on an original idea. Films
based on original ideas offer more opportunity for debate, discussion, and
inspiration for some original thought of our own. This is where the fun begins.
*
ELYSIUM opens
on August 9th in 2D and 2D IMAX and is rated R.
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